On Stage as 'Jacqueline' in 'Boeing-Boeing'

As of late, I have had a rather fun, extraordinary and busy experience…I am currently gracing the stage as the French stewardess, Jacqueline, in Boeing-Boeing at the Abilene Community Theatre!

 It has been absolutely delightful playing her character. I get to share the stage with five other charming, hilarious characters and play out a ridiculous, funny, sexy, door-slamming farce. This show was revived on Broadway in a 2008 Tony-winning production and is also a nonstop 1960s comedy. It is always the best feeling when our story is met with laughter from the audience!

As I said, I play the French airline hostess. Back in the 1960s, air travel was much different than it is today. Only the rich could afford to fly; travelers would dress up for the flights; men wore suits and women, dresses, etc. When I began to think about my character, I thought of what it would be like to be a stewardess back in the ’60s. It was a very glamorous, yet strict profession. As Bernard, the Parisian bachelor states, “Apart from being beautiful, they have to be healthy, good at cooking, nursing, witty, wise and friendly.” Having said all of that, I feel strongly that it took a strong, independent woman to pursue any career back in those days when housewives were more the norm. The fact that all three air hostesses in this play have strength and personality supports my point of view. However, that does not discount the fact that this play is a bit on the chauvinistic side—be aware that this is the 1960s script! Nevertheless, the show gets by with it because it makes fun and light of that very fact and is so fast paced.

Did I say three airline hostesses? Yes, three! This play features Bernard (played by Jared Strange) who has French, German (familiar face—KTXS news anchor, Laura Madison) and American fiancées (Jessica Delgado), each lovely airline hostesses with frequent “layovers.” He keeps “one up, one down and one pending…until unexpected schedule changes brings all three of us to Paris—better yet—to his apartment at the same time! Robert (Robert Hatcher), an old college friend of Bernard, comes in from the Provinces and becomes a vital character as he tries to smooth out this harem!

The journey of the show from beginning to end can best be described during a hilarious line by ‘Bertha’…Bernard’s housekeeper (Kim Bachmann Baker), “Drink up…we’re in for a bumpy night!” Tis true, this fast paced farce is a bit like going through some crazy turbulence.

Overall, I have had a ton of fun working with both the cast and crew of Boeing-Boeing. I truly love getting into the mind, body, and spirit—oh…and not to mention…hair and makeup—of Miss Jacqueline each night. Enjoy the show and have a ‘great flight’!

The Cast of 'Boeing-Boeing'

 Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. each night at the Abilene Community Theatre, 801 S. Mockingbird Lane. June 17-19, June 25-26. Tickets range from $8-$10. Reservations are strongly recommended. Box office hours are from 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Info: 325-673-6271.

Hickory Street Cafe in Abilene, Texas

Looking for a lunch spot that is very ladies-who-lunch in Abilene, Texas? Well, you are in luck! Venture down to Hickory Street Café, located … well, on Hickory Street (644 Hickory St.). Picture your grandma’s lacy, cutesy and mixed-and-matched table clothes, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, fresh flowers on tables and entryways, friends reuniting and meeting for lunch, running into old friends — you know the whole bit. That’s Hickory Street! It can best be described as a quaint, adorable authentic café situated inside a historic home in downtown Abilene.

The café is famous for its chicken salad, quiche and zucchini bread, but it also has several kinds of sandwiches, salads, brunch-style egg dishes, breads and desserts that will all cater to your taste buds. Oh, and don’t forget to order some of their delicious peach tea with your meal! Another recommendation: check the hours before you go. They are generally only open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hickory Street takes reservations for parties if five or more, so you also might want to phone ahead because it can get pretty crowded inside the old home during the lunch hour. They also rent out the café on weekends for events such as bridal showers, baby showers and other private events (upon prior booking and request). They also have a delightful gift shop upstairs inside the ‘house’ filled with all sorts of things you just can’t live without. It’s a must-see when you go for lunch.

For more information, call 325-675-0465.

PS: Just because I said, “ladies who lunch,” plenty of men frequent Hickory Street as well. Which always calls for a smile.

Just one of the many Beautiful Sites to be seen in Historic Downtown Abilene!

Enjoy the great outdoors, get some exercise, and step into the past with a Historic Downtown Walking tour.

Walk the streets of our more than century-old West Texas town and follow in the footsteps of the builders who made Abilene’s frontier what it is today. Founded in 1881 by the T&P Railway, Abilene has since become the heart of West Texas and is home to 120,000 friendly people.

Oil strikes and lucrative crops led to Abilene’s success in the 1920s — a time when many of the buildings in the Downtown District were being constructed. By taking a Historic Walking Tour, you can enjoy the efforts of Abilene’s downtown revitalization and appreciate those who have taken the time and interest in preserving their community’s heritage.

Pick up a Walking Tour brochure at Frontier Texas!, at 625 N. 1st St., or print one ahead of time from our Web site,  and begin your adventure. You can even add it to a custom travel itinerary.

Begin your journey at Frontier Texas! Thanks to modern technology, it is possible to relive early frontier days. Step back in time to meet the men and women who lived and died on the Texas frontier. Unlike a traditional museum, Frontier Texas! uses first-person narratives rather than collections of artifacts to tell the story of the western Texas frontier, along with lights, cameras, action and big-screen special effects.

Next, walk west down N. 1st St. toward the Texas and Pacific Depot, 1101 N. 1st St. in Everman Park. Built in 1910, this building provided passenger service until 1967. The last passenger train left the depot in March 1967 with only 39 passengers aboard. This building was restored in 1994 to its original 1920s appearance, and currently houses the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Cultural Affairs Council.

Throughout the Historic Downtown Walking Tour, you will also learn interesting facts about staple downtown buildings, such as the Cypress Building, the Wooten, Grissom & Popular Buildings, Abilene Reporter-News, O’Kelley Office Supply, Jordan Taylor Building, T&P Freight Warehouse, Minter Building, Mims Building, Hilton Hotel and much more.
Hear the stories you’ve never heard behind structures, such as the Concrete Overpass, located at 1100 to 1200 Blocks of N. 1st St., the Old Weather Bureau and the Vera Minter Memorial Park.

If you’d prefer a guided historic downtown walking tour with the Abilene Preservation League, attend Downtown Dayz on October 9, 2010. The group usually meets in Abilene’s Minter Park around 11:30 a.m. the day of festivities. For more information on the Historic Downtown Abilene attractions and events, visit www.abilenevisitors.com.

As you know, our city has been gearing up for National Travel and Tourism Week…and more specifically for our big local rally on the official U.S. Travel Rally Day!

Here are the two most recent videos from the Travel Matters series–the Five Week and Four Week Countdown. These videos feature the individuals that are employed by our local tourism industry and those who employ them–our local business owners.

We hope that you join us in the celebration of the world’s largest industry during National Travel and Tourism Week at Abilene’s Travel Rally on May 11. It will be held at 11 a.m. at Frontier Texas! and will feature several western heritage demonstrations–such as chuckwagon cooking, members (and horses) of the Six White Horse Riders team from HSU, western heritage re-enactors from the region, the Fandangle Calliope–and much more! Mayor Norm Archibald will be in attendance and we have confirmed that Rep. Neugebauer’s staff will make a proclamation. Anyone who attends the Travel Rally will receive credentials for free admission to Abilene attractions, good for May 11 only. Attractions include: Abilene Zoo, Frontier Texas!, The Grace Museum, 12th Armored Memorial Museum and Buffalo Gap Historic Village. It will be a truly fun and free event.

See you May 11. Travel Matters to Abilene and rural America!

That Funky Little Shop by the Tracks...

Often described as that funky little shop by the tracks and where Janis Joplin meets Mae West, Abilene’s Ya Ya Gurlz is a boutique with a personality all its own. At Ya Ya Gurlz, shoppers will find all kinds of fun, offbeat garb — clothes, jewelry, accessories, shabby chic signage, home décor and more.

The gurlz, a mother-and-daughter team, describe their products as “trendy, Texan — but not hokie; retro — but not unbelievably out there; funky, cute, wearable, laugh-out-loud fun and definitely out of the ordinary.” The bottom line is you won’t find their products in malls or at other large, chain retailers.

Another great thing about Ya Ya Gurlz is that they often have sales on select merchandise, so you can get original pieces for a reasonable price. Plus, if you love bling like I do, you won’t want to pass up their large selection of eclectic and chunky jewelry: I just bought a necklace at Ya Ya last week that will totally dress up your traditional jeans and top — and turn it into a whole new outfit.

Whether you are looking for the perfect sundress, a purse or that signature piece of jewelry, Ya Ya Gurlz is Abilene’s best bet. Visit them on the Southside of the downtown area (just over the railroad tracks at 1315 S. 1st St.), call 325-437-4367 for more info, scout them out on Facebook or simply browse the website at www.yayagurlz.com.

The Outlaws & Regulators!

If you are looking for something fun to do this Saturday, April 10, head to historic downtown Abilene for the semi-annual Abilene Downtown Association’s Downtown Dayz. The weather forecast says it should be sunny with temperatures in the mid 70s, making it a perfect day to be and about. Grab your family, friends, in-laws and out laws, history buffs and music lovers, art fiends and avid readers—and enjoy a day in downtown. Don’t forget to make plans to enjoy one of downtown’s many restaurants for lunch and/or dinner or sample some beer at Abilene’s only brew pub beer, Cypress St. Station.
Entertainment, Exhibits, Art & Activities Schedule

• 7th Annual Mayor’s Round-Up 5K Run/Walk/WheelBeginning and finishing at the Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. 6th St.8:30 a.m. Start – $10 to $20/person
• The infamous “Outlaws & Regulators” Wild West ShootoutsT&P Depot, N. 1st and Cypress – 11 a.m.; Noon; 1 p.m.; 2 p.m.
• Free showings of “History in Plain Sight” video by Jay Moore. Abilene Preservation League, Elks Building – 1174 N. 1st.10 a.m.; 11 a.m.; 1 p.m.
• Historic Downtown Walking Tours – Departs from the Abilene Preservation League Building, 1174 N. 1st. 10:50 a.m.; 11:50 a.m.; 1:50 p.m.
• Living History Weekend Bivouac – 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum, 1289 N. 2nd – Demonstrations of field cooking, hygiene and weaponry. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Texas Tech University Abilene Segway Demos – Various locations throughout Downtown.10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Abilene Public Library, 202 Cedar St.> Earth Day Family Fun Activity, 2 p.m.>Children’s Story Time, 2 p.m.
• United Way “family safe” Activities KinderPrint child safety and ID kits, co-sponsored by Atmos Energy. Update your family disaster preparedness plan. Free popcorn. United Way, 240 Cypress St.
• Free Tax Preparation – United Way of Abilene’s Center for Economic Opportunity, 1102 N. 3rd.
• Everman Park Music, Art & More (N. 1st & Cypress St.)> Music by: Catclaw Creek – 10 a.m.; George Pendergrass – Noon; Tony Barker Band – 1 p.m.> Magic Lamp Belly Dancing – 11 a.m. > Henna Tattoos – by Amanda Pettit benefiting Sanctuary House – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. > Artists:  Fran Hilliard and other artists from Premier HS Cooper HS Art Club, art button sale
• Free gift with $20 purchase – Candies by Vletas, 1201 N. 1st
• Music by: Mike Wheeler, Bobby Deegan & Lane Frizzell. 11 a.m. through lunch. Cypress Street Station and Abilene Brewing Company, 158 Cypress St.
• The Center for Contemporary Arts, 220 Cypress St. > Caricatures by Patty Rae Wellborn, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.> Pianist Kyle Barnes from Sherry Frush Studios. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. > Exhibits: “Full Circle” by Kathie Walker-Millar and “Prevailing Wind” by Harry Geffert, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sidewalk Sale and Demos by Lynette Walters “Creative ideas using hand-crocheted lace from India.” Eternal Threads, 101 Walnut St.
• Family Fun Saturdays: Create a “work of art” – National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar St. – 1 to 4 p.m.Free
• Sidewalk Sale. YaYa Gurlz, 1315 South 1st – All day
• The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St. – $1 off admission by mentioning Downtown Dayz.”> Chorus Abilene’s Chorale, directed by JonathanKrake, Van Hayes as accompanist. 1 p.m. > Art, History and Children’s Museums – “John James Audubon Exhibit,” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Special Sale, Refreshments, Weaving Demonstration – The Honeycomb Tree, 1166 N. 2nd. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Under One Roof, 244 Pine St.> Music by: Abilene’s Own Memory Men Barbershop Singers, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. > Gourmet tastings and basement sale.
• Cooking demos with free samples; sale merchandise. The Fire Escape, 501 Hickory St.
• Free “hands-on” sculpting opportunities for adults. Cedar Break Fine Arts Gallery, 957 N. 2nd – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m
• Book signings:  B.P. Galloway, The Ragged Rebel; Robert Hall, Grandpa Says; and Wanda Middleton, Best Foot Forward 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sidewalk Sale – Texas Star Trading Co., 174 Cypress
• Movie “Red River” starring John Wayne – The Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St., 2 & 7 p.m.
• “Riding with Pancho Villa” Premier Photo Exhibit – FreeMuseum Admission: $1 off by mentioning Downtown Dayz. Frontier Texas!, 625 N. 1st. – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Art Exhibit “17 Resurrections” by Dan McGregor – ACU-Cockerell Art Gallery, 1133 N. 2nd. Noon to 3 p.m.
• Art Studios & Fun Activities at Cockerell Galleries and Studios, 1133 N. 2nd. Studios open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless noted. Events in studios and outside include:> Bri, Fearfully Made: T-shirts, jewelry, paintings> TMGandfineart.com: art, journals, more> The Zamarippas of Studio Two-One-Two will make  & sell specially designed t-shirts, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.> Live pottery throwing, Marion Ivy, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.> Wood whittling, Dennis Regan > Discount packages, A Moment in Time Photography.
• Sidewalk sale, eclectic musical entertainment, free frozen margaritas. RELICS Home, 1292 N. 1st
• Annual Central Texas Gem & Mineral Show – Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. 6th – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Food and Drink:

• Bogie’s, 241 Cypress – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• McKay’s Bakery, 266 Cypress – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Loft at Under One Roof, 244 Pine – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Cypress Street Sta. & Abilene Brewing Co., 158 Cypress – Lunch and Dinner – 11 a.m. to closing
• Monk’s Coffee Shop, 233 Cypress – 9 a.m. to midnight
• The Leaf, 202 Cypress St. – 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• The Beehive, 442 Cedar St. – 5 to 10 p.m.